Treatment of frozen shoulder with hyaluronic acid injections

Efficacy of Intra-articular Hyaluronate Injection for Adhesive Capsulitis

Not applicable Interventional Tri-Service General Hospital · NCT05983081

This study is testing if hyaluronic acid injections can help people with frozen shoulder feel less pain and move their shoulder better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorTri-Service General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT05983081 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for patients suffering from adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder. The study is designed as a prospective, case-controlled trial conducted in the rehabilitation department of a medical center. A total of 30 participants will receive 60mg of HA injected into the glenohumeral joint once a week for three consecutive weeks, with assessments of shoulder range of motion and pain levels conducted at multiple intervals post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 to 70 diagnosed with frozen shoulder, experiencing restricted shoulder movement but with a pain score of less than 3.

Not a fit: Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, systemic rheumatic diseases, or a history of shoulder fractures or surgeries may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain for patients with adhesive capsulitis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with hyaluronic acid injections for similar conditions, suggesting potential efficacy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

A. Patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder by a clinical physician based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, X-ray, and ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging reports.

B. Clinical course: Patients must have a pain score of less than 3, no nighttime shoulder pain, and be in the post-freezing stage, primarily presenting restricted shoulder joint range of motion.

C. The affected shoulder joint must have at least two angles of shoulder joint movement reduced by at least 30% compared to the healthy side: shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation, or a single affected side abduction angle reduced by 50% relative to the healthy side.

D. Age between 40 to 70 years old.

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Exclusion Criteria:

A. full-thickness tear or massive tear of the rotator cuff tendons or calcific tendinitis.

B. Presence of systemic rheumatic disease. C. History of shoulder fracture or previous shoulder surgery. D. Received shoulder injections for treatment within the last 3 months. E. Acute cervical nerve root compression. F. Current pregnancy or lactation. G. Patients with shoulder instability or cancer. H. Patients with cognitive impairment, unable to follow simple instructions, or unable to comply with the study procedures.

Where this trial is running

Taipei, Alberta

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Adhesive Capsulitisfrozen shoulderhyaluronic acid
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.